Tech and a Storm Event Part 3: Electronics, Entertainment and Power Accessories--What Worked and What Didn't

Surviving a Storm Event Part 3:

Portable Devices, Power Accessories, and Entertainment:
Winners and Losers

Supplies to Help Avert Boredom During a Hurricane

This is Part 3 in a series about surviving a Storm Event and its aftermath, and focusing on the high tech and low tech supplies that help folks get through a storm. We're looking at what worked well, and what did not.  Part 1 focused on lighting technologies, and Part 2 looked at communications. Today, in Part 3, we're going to look at Power Accessories, Portable Electronics, and Entertainment. Our final installment will look at food and provisions.

Even before Irma officially arrived, many places in her path lost electricity. As Irma made her way through Florida, she took down a lot of power poles and transformers, and many people were left powerless for days.  Without power, we cannot run refrigerators, appliances, Internet modems, entertainment systems, or telephones. We cannot keep all of our devices charged either.  In fact, in the 21st Century, we depend on electricity, and most of us find it very difficult to function without it.  But with proper preparation, and the right supplies in an Emergency Kit, you can make the most of a powerless situation.  This article will discuss some of the things that helped us get through the days without power.

Portable Electronics: Win

Every modern household is equipped with a wide range of electronic devices.  Many of these devices are designed to be portable.  And every type of portable electronic can be useful in a Storm Event.  However, any device that depends on Internet to operate will most likely be useless.  We probably won't be using our Smart Speakers, Amazon Echos, and DVRs during a hurricane.  

Other devices will be extremely useful. Laptops, tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, portable media players, e-readers, and the like are all fantastic to have during a storm. These types of devices hold a whole lot of information in a relatively small space.  With proper preparation, you will find yourself depending on these devices to get you through the storm without losing your mind.  

Human beings are bored easily. Once we know our basic food and shelter needs are taken care of, we want to DO something. And we're used to doing things that involve either nature or power, things that are both unavailable during a storm event.  

But luckily, we live in the Electronics Era, and not all of these devices depend on the Information Superhighway.  As our electronics often include our most valuable things, like photos, media libraries, and personal data, we're likely to want to take them with us when we have to evacuate.  They're small, lightweight, and easy to grab, so we're likely to take ALL of them when packing to leave. And there is a good reason to do so. With proper preparation and the right accessories, we can keep our devices up and running during the storm, so we'll always have "something to DO!"

Preparing Your Electronics

Unfortunately, in the 21st Century, we depend on power for most of our daily needs.  As we discussed in Part 2, most of our modern communications and entertainment systems depend on power to run.  Despite the plethora of wireless devices, most do not operate long without recharging. And if you have no power, it can be hard to keep such devices charged.  Many wireless devices use rechargeable batteries that cannot be replaced with disposable ones.  Therefore, it is important that you charge EVERYTHING as soon as you hear a storm is brewing.  This especially applies to rechargeable items you have stashed in an Emergency Kit.

At the beginning of Storm Season, it is important to pull out your Emergency Kit and ensure things are still in working order. Ideally, you should test every battery-operated device by using it for a couple of days.  While doing so, try to see how long the device will hold a charge, on average, as well as the amount of time it takes to recharge.  If a rechargeable device no longer holds its charge, it may be time to replace it. (Remember, rechargeable batteries have a finite number of recharge cycles.)

It is important to check your entertainment devices too, even though they may not "live" in your Emergency Kit.  Make sure these devices still hold a charge. Those that do not can be left behind when it comes time to evacuate.  Those devices with decent batteries should all be charged at the first sign of a storm, so they will be ready to use when an emergency befalls.  They should be used plugged-in for as long as possible, so they are fully charged when you do lose power.

Once the power does fail, put all electronics into "Airplane Mode," if possible, to extend the battery life. Turn off wifi and bluetooth until the power returns.  The idea is to minimize the "background activities" that will drain a battery faster, in order to maximize the time the device remains up.  Most electronics will constantly try to connect otherwise, and that will drain your battery very quickly.

While preparing, it's a good idea to review what you have, to ensure you will be as comfortable as possible during the storm.  Some things are better than others.  While charging your devices and prepping your kits, make sure you have sufficient power accessories to get you through a few powerless days.

What Worked and What Didn't: Power Accessories 

Power Bricks/Power Packs: Win with Caveats

We discussed Power Banks back in June, in our article titled "Technology to Weather the Storm."  As we explained then, a Power Bank is basically an external battery, wrapped up in its own portable case.  It's a device meant to re-power something with a depleted battery on the go.  Rather than plugging your device into the wall to charge, you can plug it in your handy power bank.

And as we discussed back then, all Power Banks are not created equal.  There are high capacity Power Banks available, as well as lower capacity Power Banks.  In fact, if you need a refresher on what to look for in a Power Bank, I suggest you read that article.  If you do, you'll see an additional Power Bank was on my list of things I needed to buy.

In June, I picked up this Power Bank on sale.  It is rated at 11200mAh, just above the bare minimum I recommend for an Emergency Kit.  I was very impressed with its performance.  This Power Bank recharged my phone 4 times, as well as charging my Windows Tablet once.  However, I needed something a lot more robust to recharge the laptop.  

I had an older Power Bank, and it charged my Fire Tablet once.  These two Power Banks kept me in business during the period I was away from home. However, by the time I got back, my Power Banks were all dead.  And this particular Power Bank takes a longer time to recharge. Keeping it plugged into an auto adapter while I drove only managed to get it back to about 40%--not enough juice to recharge the laptop. In fact, I only got one phone charge and about half a tablet charge before the power bank died again.

Power Banks are a definite win and an essential part of any modern day Storm Kit. However, you really need 2-3 Power Banks per person to get through an extended power outage.  And you need at least one high-rated, quick recharging Power Bank amongst the lot.  The exact specifications you will need depend on your own collection of electronics, as well as on their own battery life. 

Having the WRONG Power Bank is barely better than having no Power Bank at all. That is why Power Banks are a win with caveats.  I needed a lot more battery than an 11000 mAh bank could provide.  I needed at least 2-3 Power Banks of this capacity to make it through this Power Outage.  

I strongly recommend you include SEVERAL Power Banks in your Emergency Kit, and that ALL be  rated 10000mAh or above.  I am not going to recommend a specific Power Bank. Anker, iclever, RAVPower, Jackery, and KMASHI are popular brands.  Monoprice puts out their own, unbranded line, and as always, they make a good product for a low price.  There are many "Direct from China" type Power Banks as well.  You can always find some Power Bank on sale at Amazon, and in fact, I recommend you buy Power Banks while they are on sale.  I grabbed the particular one I used this storm when it was on sale for under $10.  Anker always has one model on sale.  This is where the number of ports it has, the type, and the battery rating is the most important thing.

You also want a Power Bank that charges with a standard cable, usually Micro USB or USB C.  The last thing you need to do is hunt for where you stashed that proprietary cable when you are rushing to get ready for a storm.  Quick recharging of the bank itself is an added bonus.

Low-powered Power Banks are useless for an emergency kit. Most so-called "Lipstick Chargers" do not have enough capacity to even fully recharge a phone once.  And they recharge no more quickly than a full-sized Power Bank. Likewise, lighting devices with back-up power are not robust enough to be used as Power Banks during a storm.  If you read Part 1, you'll remember my "Max Lights" also claimed to work as Power Banks. However, using them as lights exhausted the battery, so was not enough juice to use it for charging a phone too.

You'll find many flashlights that claim to be 2-in-1 devices, acting as backup  Power Banks too. These are about as useful as a "lipstick charger" during a storm. They just do not have high enough capacity to work both as lights and as Power Banks.  The "two-in-one" technology may SOUND good, but the fact is they usually work well as neither.  For a storm, you'll want a power bank that just excels at recharging things, and doesn't pretend to be anything else.  The one exception to this rule is the combined car-jumper and Power Bank. Since it requires a lot of amperage to start a car,  you KNOW that Power Bank will also have the strength to charge a laptop. Just do not expect to get a jump start AND electronics recharging out of a single Power Bank charge.

The other caveat is that Power Banks are only good for things that can recharge via USB. If you have an older laptop, it may need a traditional, three-pronged plug to recharge. Power Banks usually do not have those type of outlets.  But most phones, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, etc. can all recharge over USB.  And so all of these items are compatible with a Power Bank.

No Modern Emergency Kit should be without a high-capacity Power Bank and a couple of spare USB cables.  Power Banks put a lot of battery power in a small footprint.  And they can share that power with a lot of modern devices.  Again, I recommend 1-2 Power banks, per person, in every Emergency Kit.

Often, power gets restored "in batches," so that one block may be lit while the next remains dark. This was especially true during Irma, where neighbors had power back before I. At the first sign of light around the corner, I knocked on the neighbor's door and asked her to plug-in my power bank. A few hours later, I went back to retrieve it. This was MUCH better than asking to leave a phone or a tablet.  I plugged all my electronics in, exhausted its battery, then left it with another neighbor for a few more hours.  When my power was restored, I lent the charged bank to a powerless friend.  This is another advantage to Power Banks: it makes it easy to "borrow" or to "lend" power without the privacy risks of leaving things like phones or tablets in the care of others.

Spare Rechargeable Batteries: Win with Caveats

Of course, many electronics come with their own built-in batteries. And in devices like cameras and laptops, these batteries can easily be replaced by the consumer. If you have devices with replaceable batteries, having a spare, charged battery may be even better than having a compatible Power Bank.

A lot of workers who travel with a computer also travel with a second battery.  That way, they can merely swap out a battery if the current one gets drained while away from power.  During an extended power outage, having a second battery doubles your computer up time.  And often, you can find a generic laptop battery on Ebay or Amazon for less than the price of a laptop-sized Power Bank.  If you have a phone with a removable battery, likewise it's nice to have a 2nd one to swap out when the current one dies.

Now of course, I am referring to electronics that use specialized batteries, rather than standard AAs, Cs, 9 volt, etc.  If you have a device that can use EITHER a rechargeable battery OR a standard Alkaline Battery, a couple of sets of alkaline batteries are better in an emergency situation.  (This situation applies to cameras of all kinds.) But for something like a laptop, having a second set of charged batteries available may be your best option during an extended power outage.

Automotive Power Packs: Fail with Caveats

As I mentioned in  Part 2, I also have an old Automotive Power Pack that I keep on hand. A decade ago, these were probably our BEST options for power backup.  Automotive Power Packs or Jump Start Packs are primarily marketed as auto accessories. Most have an air compressor for tires, cables to jump start a car, and a couple of three-pronged outlets.  When I lived up North, I kept one charged and in my car during snow emergencies, so a dead battery would not leave me stuck. I've also used these when camping to inflate air mattresses.  During Irma, I used one to briefly power up my DSL Modem.

Before the advent of Power Banks, I would have definitely recommended one of these for any Emergency Kit. However, these things are heavy and bulky, and they do not hold a charge well.  They also provide you with little power.  My friend grabbed mine on a camping trip, insisting she needed to blow dry her hair. She got about 10 minutes of power out of it before completely killing the battery. Likewise, if you try to run a toaster oven on one, you won't get a second batch of toast made before the power is exhausted.  Furthermore, these power packs only recharge about a half dozen times before they work via A/C power only.  

Automotive power packs are great for their intended purpose. However, they are too expensive, do not run long enough, and need replacing too often to be a good choice for Emergency Kits, now we have alternatives.

If you already have one of these, by all means, ensure it is charged and ready to use when a storm is due. But you will not get a lot of power out of one, so do not expect to get more than about an hour.  If you do not have one already, DO NOT buy one thinking it's a good addition to an Emergency Kit.  It will not give you enough power to be of practical use in an emergency. These things weigh too much and do not run long enough to be useful in an evacuation kit.  If you have one, use it sparingly when you're home.  If you do not have one already, don't buy one thinking it will be a useful part of an Emergency Kit.

Duracell Batteries: Fail

I had a brand-new, 36 pack of Duracell Alkaline AA Batteries in my Emergency Kit, left from last year.  According to the date stamped on the package, they had not passed the "best by" date.  However, looking inside, you could see the batteries had leaked, and there at least 6 "bad batteries" in this pack.   I later went to the Duracell verified page on Facebook to see what they had to say. I did not even need to leave a complaint. Apparently, a lot of other people had found something similar when they went to check their own Emergency Kits. Dozens of folks were complaining that they THOUGHT they had batteries, but they found leaking packs instead.  Duracell responded to every complaint, saying this was a "feature" of their batteries. When the batteries go bad, they leak so you do not waste time putting a "bad battery" into a device.  They said the batteries in the pack that had not leaked should be okay to use, so long as they had not been contaminated by the adjacent leaks.  This was met with a lot of folks complaining about a single leaking battery ruining a whole pack, as well as cries to never buy Duracell again.  As someone pointed out, if a battery in a pack leaks to indicate it's lost juice, the same thing can be expected of a battery in a little used remote or appliance.

Both my Emergency Kit and my Junk Drawer are full of old batteries, some of which are well past their use by date. However, none of these other batteries leaked like the Duracells, with the exception of one off-brand from China. And as far as I know, no other manufacturer touts "leaking" as a feature to denote battery expiration.

Batteries often find their way out of packages and roll around loose in drawers or totes. I would not like a loose Duracell leaking all over my emergency paper plates or non-perishable food in the bottom of a tote.  Batteries become scarce when a storm nears. I was glad I had another multipack of AA batteries in the house, and did not need to put "replace leaking Duracells" on my list of things to do to prepare for the Storm.  And since finding out about this "feature," I cleaned ALL the Duracells out of the various battery-stashing places, put them in ziplocs, and put those in a separate container.  Once used up, they will be replaced with a brand that does not leak acid.

Generic Batteries: Win with Caveats

Generic Batteries were a bigger "win" than the name-brand Duracells.  Neither the generic AAAs I had in the Emergency Kit, nor the Generic Batteries I had in the junk drawer showed any signs of leaking, even when they had gone "bad."  But these were all "name brand" generics. In other words, they were private label alkaline batteries, equivalent to the name brands and rated similarly.

Not all generic batteries are created equal. Non-alkaline batteries will fail more quickly. Dollar Store batteries are also weaker than private label and name brand equivalents. A weaker battery may power a remote sufficiently, but fail when it tries to power a lantern.  

I happen to have some Amazon Basics brand batteries, as well as some Walgreens brand.  I find both to be good, long lasting, low cost batteries for Emergency Kits. Neither brand showed any signs of leaking or corrosion, unlike the Duracells and the Chinese generics.  (And Prime-eligible items may be a very good alternative to trying to shop locally when supplies are running scarce. I "panic-ordered" some extra batteries when I saw local shelves had been emptied, and they arrived in 2 days.  So long as they are showing "in stock" when you place the order, most of us have at least a 3 day warning to stock storm supplies.  Since I did not end up using these extra batteries, I have them in the kit for the next emergency.) 

Decent batteries are a definite win; inferior batteries are a big fail.  Avoid the Dollar Store and the discounters when buying batteries. Stick to name brands and private labels with which you've had past success.   And remember, battery multi-packs often go on sale after the Holidays, when retailers find themselves with excess inventory. It is not a bad time to restock that part of your Emergency Kit.

Generators: Mixed

Whole house generators are a definite win.  The people who had them found themselves both comfortable and popular during the storm.  However, most people did not find a generator to be as robust a solution as they'd assumed. In most cases, they were able to run the refrigerator and a few lights. Some people found they could run stoves and other appliances, but not the a/c.  Few could power EVERYTHING in the house, even with an expensive generator.

Solar generators failed during the storm itself. Most simply cannot "bank" enough power to keep things running for days where there is no sun.  Many found their panels could not hold up to the winds, and so their solar generators failed all together. One local motel's only damage was caused by the solar panels blowing through the roof.  Their solar solution actually caused more damage than it mitigated.  Places that have both solar and "traditional" power were told to disable solar so the traditional grid could be restored. Power companies refused to work on lines that had any type of solar attached, due to the risks of surges while trying to work on the lines. So the solar generators actually hindered power restoration after the storm in many areas.

Gas generators fared better. But again, they do not provide a solution that will power much.  They cannot be used inside, and so many had to be stored during the storm itself, as connecting them could leave "cracks" that would make the house more vulnerable to wind damage.  Gas supplies were scarce. And one or two cans of gas is not enough to run a generator for very long.  It is hard to safely store gas during a storm, and if you have any flooding, often your backup gas supplies are contaminated by flood waters.  And if you cannot get gas for a car after a storm, getting cans filled to repower a generator is even harder.

Most people with gas generators had enough power for a refrigerator, a light or two, and maybe a fan. They did have power for recharging electronics, but with fuel for the generator being scarce, many felt they could not waste their precious "juice" on non-essential electronics.  And generators were being stolen right and left, especially during the hours most people sleep. Securing generators with chains was not enough of a theft deterrent in many areas.

For people with medical needs, generators can be essential. However, these people are far better off in an environment with a commercial generator than depending on having one at home.  With the gas shortages, many people found they could not use the generator in a way they'd like, and it was really only useful to power the refrigerator.  Most people found they still needed all the accoutrements found in a traditional Emergency Kit, despite the fact they had a generator. And the generator itself did not address any of the other utilities-challenges they were facing.  A personal generator does not make the Cell Tower work any better, nor does it give clean water.  Even with a generator, you need emergency food, emergency lighting, and other supplies. And one might not be able to keep that generator running during the recovery period if one does not ration its resources.  But it WILL give you the resources to have that morning cup of coffee, and even milk to go in it, which you would not otherwise have.

Auto Power-Inverter: Fail

Auto Power Inverters allow you to plug devices into your car for power.  They may include three-pronged outlets, USB outlets, or both.  They basically draw power from your car battery and deliver it to whatever you plug in.  Most plug into your car's lighter socket.

These are not a good solution in an emergency situation, as they draw power from your car battery.  You do not want to drain a car battery when you may need to flee quickly.  With newer cars, simply running the engine is not enough to recharge your car's battery. Modern cars require you to actually drive them to recharge. In an emergency situation, you do not want to be on the roads. Likewise, during the recovery period, gas will be scarce and roads will be blocked. Emergency officials will ask you to conserve gas and to limit trips in order to keep the roads clear for emergency workers.  Power inverters deliver the slowest charge to your electronics.  You will be lucky if your device recharges 1% per minute it's attached.  

If you rely on an auto power inverter to recharge devices, you're likely to end up with dead devices AND a dead car.  You will waste precious gas and risk depleting your car's battery.  Almost ANY other power accessory will be a better solution.

Power Accessories Summary

The BEST things to keep in an Emergency Kit are a couple of Power Banks and lots of alkaline batteries.  The power banks should be pulled out and recharged at the first suggestion of a storm. Preferably, you'll have enough backup in your Power Banks to recharge your phone at least 6 times, and to recharge your tablets a couple of times too.  This means you'll need a couple of high capacity power banks. In addition, stock lots of alkaline batteries, and buy these in advance. Be aware that battery supplies are the first thing to deplete when a storm is brewing.  

What Worked and What Didn't:  Entertainment

These days, many of us depend on streaming and cable to get our movies, shows, and music.  During a storm, however, you'll need to be prepared to entertain yourself the old-fashioned way.   Streaming requires internet and power.  It is likely you'll lose cable, internet. and/or power early in the Storm Event, and it may be a while before you get it back once the storm ends.  You WILL need distractions, especially after the storm ends, and you're stuck inside a powerless house.  You do not need to abandon all your technology though, especially if you're equipped with Power Banks.  

Board Games: Mixed

Board games can be fun group activities, but they're difficult to play by lantern.  They also take up a lot of room in an evacuation kit. While a single, compact Board Game may be good to include, a couple of decks of cards may be a better option. 

Look for "travel versions" of Board Games to keep in your kits. A pad of paper and a couple of pens are a good thing to include. These can be used for games such as Hangman and Pictionary.

Board Games usually are a group activity, something that may not always be desirable. If you have children, you'll need to ensure they have ways to entertain themselves. Likewise, you need to include some solo entertainment for sanity's sake.  Board games are good for limited spurts, when you are in a group situation. They are not the be all and end all of Storm Entertainment.  If you need to evacuate, it's not practical to waste space by including several bulky games in your kit.

Battery operated, small electronic games are another good thing to include in an Emergency Kit, especially if you have children.  Look for games that use standard batteries, and be sure to include at least two battery changes in your kit, along with the game.

It's good to have a few board games and jigsaw puzzles in the closet for when you are "sheltering in place," however electronic games may be a better option for an Evacuation Kit.  If you have electronics, apps and programs may provide the best gaming option.

Old Tablets, Laptops, and Netbooks: Win

Old tablets can be stocked with games and tucked into an evacuation kit, along with a power bank for recharging. Tablets take a lot less space than physical games, and most will run for several hours on a single charge.  

Old, pre Windows 10 laptops also make good game machines. They can be filled with games that do not require internet to play, and tucked away in an evacuation kit.  Cheap second batteries can be purchased to double their usable hours.  I have an old XP Machine that no longer goes online. However, it makes a great game,  movie, and music machine for my Evacuation Kit.  

Digital Media: Win

In order for your old laptops and tablets to be a useful part of an Evacuation Kit, you'll need to have digital media.  In this day and age, most of us have more digital media than physical media.  If you do not fall into this camp, you'll want to convert some of your physical media to digital when you're prepping your kit, a process known as "ripping." You can also download digital media you've previously purchased, and make a copy for your kit.  By digital media, I mean MP3s, MP4s, FLACs, AVIs, etc.

If you are including an old tablet, laptop, or MP3 player in your Evacuation Kit, be sure to load up a few favorite tunes, books, and movies, preferably ones of which you'll never tire.  That way, if you forget to pack media at the last minute, you'll still have entertainment to get you through the storm.

OTG Drive (Dual Flash Drive): Win

 

An OTG drive is one with two types of connectors: a standard USB on one end, and a mobile-type connector on the other. Dual drives are available in micro-USB, Lightning, and USB-C type connectors.  Which type of connector you choose depends on what type of mobile devices you own.

I always suggest that folks keep their phones and their tablets in the same ecosystems. This means if you use an iphone, it makes sense to have an ipad. If you use android, you'll want to use an android based tablet. This is for greater compatibility cross-devices; you'll be able to use the same apps on both your phone and your tablet.

If you own an iphone and an android tablet, you may want to purchase a flash drive compatible with each. (Or there are a few that include both types of connectors.) If you only buy one OTG drive, I'd suggest you buy the one compatible with your tablet. You'll probably be using that more for entertainment purposes in the long run.

If you keep an old laptop in your Evacuation Kit, the USB end of the flash drive should work with that. If you keep an old tablet in your kit, you'll want an OTG Drive compatible with that. In fact, you may want to throw a dedicated drive in too.

Again, these drives should be filled with things to entertain you, like digital music, digital movies, and games.  When a storm is brewing, you can fill the drive with the favorites du jour, so you'll have something to watch/listen to until streaming capabilities return.

Kindle Fire Tablet with OTG Drive: Win

I often praise the bottom of the line Fire Tablets.  At only $50, they are an inexpensive investment. I have both a Generation 1 and a newer Fire Tablet. One lives in the bedroom, and is primarily used as a music player, white noise machine, and an alarm clock. My newer Fire Tablet is the one I use as a Smart Home Accessory, Airline Entertainment System, and general on-the-go device.  When I upgrade my current Fire Tablet, the old one will be loaded up with digital books and music, and will find a new home in my Evacuation Kit.

One of the benefits of Prime is being able to download Prime Movies to a Fire Tablet.  This allows you to watch movies in the Prime Library without having an active internet connection. It's a benefit of which I avail myself whenever I travel, or when I hear a storm is brewing.  Netflix is also allowing selected titles to be downloaded to compatible mobile devices.

I own a couple of Calvin and Hobbes Anthologies in Kindle format. I make sure each Fire Tablet has an anthology in its on-device library. Sometimes, humor is just what the doctor ordered in a stressful situation.  I find some light reading to be an essential part of all Evacuation Kits, and for me, comics fill that bill nicely.  (I keep "Alice in Wonderland" on the tablet for the same reason.)   Paper books just take up too much valuable space, and they do not store nearly as well. Avid readers can keep dozens of books in their kits in less space than a single paper book would occupy.

One of the downfalls of Fire Tablets is their limited storage space. It can be expanded with a micro-SD card, but I find an OTG Drive more useful. Again, a single OTG drive can be used on several different devices, making it a more practical addition to an Emergency Kit. The last thing you want to worry about is clearing space on a tablet when a storm hits; having an OTG Drive addresses tht storage limitations efficiently.

When I hear a storm is brewing, I not only pull out ALL of the tablets for charging, I also queue up Prime Movies for download on both of the Fire Tablets.  At the same time, I grab my OTG drives and queue up content to transfer from hard drives, using the PC. The OTG drive can be used in any or all of my devices, and if I'm in the middle of watching a movie when the battery dies, I can use the drive on another charged device to finish.  

I usually find a Fire Tablet is good for 2-3 movies per charge.  They can be used with a power bank, however you cannot use a power bank AND an OTG drive simultaneously, as both require use of the only micro-usb port.  I suggest watching content on the OTG drive while you have a full battery, and switching to content stored on the device itself when the battery is running low.

The battery will recharge faster if you turn the device OFF while it is connected to the power bank.  However, you can use a power bank as an external battery with a Fire Tablet. It will just not recharge very quickly if it is in use.

E-Ink Kindle: Win

As with a Fire Tablet, an e-ink Kindle can hold an entire library worth of books.  But unlike a Fire Tablet, an e-ink Kindle's battery lasts for weeks, rather than hours.  Even with daily use, you should only have to recharge a dedicated kindle about once a month.

There are several levels of Kindle.  I own the basic one, which is sufficient for most people.  The next step up is the Kindle Paperwhite, which includes a built in light. (You'll need a separate book light to read a basic Kindle in a dark environment.)  At the top of the line is  the expensive Kindle Oasis, which has a battery that lasts "months," and is overkill for the average reader.  

You can save a few dollars by buying a Certified Refurbished Kindle.  Both my Mother's Kindle, (my previous device) and my current Kindle were purchased Certified Refurbished, during a sale.  Both were received in "Like New" condition.

A Kindle E-Reader is the ONE  device that can make it through a storm AND its aftermath without needing to be recharged.  The "silver lining" of a storm event is all that time you can use to catch up on your reading without feeling guilty. Avid readers will find themselves going through several books during a Storm Event.

E-ink screens can be read in bright sunlight easily, so outside of Emergency Events and travel, my Kindle lives in my beach bag.  I often use the bedside kindle for reading as well. When I'm plugging in my devices to charge, I make sure my kindle is synced to my current location in books I'm reading on other devices, and I make sure I have enough content downloaded to the device itself to carry me through several months.  I keep "Alice" on my dedicated Kindle as well.

When my power banks had all been exhausted, and the batteries in my portables along with them, I still had several books on my Kindle that remained unread.  When I was saving the last juice in the last power bank to keep the phone going, I could happily read for hours, knowing the Kindle had WEEKS of charge left in it before it died.  And all in a device that slides easily into a purse or backpack.  

Bluetooth Headphones: Fail

Bluetooth headphones require recharging in order to work.  They also drain power quickly from the devices to which they're paired.  Despite the fact we're becoming used to a wireless world, wireless drains resources. During a storm and its aftermath, we are all focused on conserving resources.  Bluetooth is especially bad when it comes to hogging resources.

In fact, you should disable Bluetooth on all devices to conserve battery, only reactivating it on an as-needed basis.  When power is precious, Bluetooth is ill-advised. Wired is always preferable to Bluetooth when it comes to an Emergency Kit.

Wired Headphones: Win

If you are depending on portables for your entertainment, you'll want to have a good pair of headphones. And this is most definitely a case when wired is better.

There may also be a time when you just want to shut out the sounds of the storm, or the eerie silence that follows. Immersing yourself in a movie or in music, and blocking out the stressful natural sounds, can be essential for mental health.  

Every time I get a pair of freebie ear buds, I throw them into the Emergency Kit. I always know there'll be earbuds, should I forget to pack my better headphones. But my better headphones are also something I make a point of packing.  

I often find my evacuation-mates are not as prepared when it comes to entertainment as I. That means I need to share my resources. I let my evacuation mates use the freebie ear-buds I keep in the Emergency Kit, and I retreat into my refuge, wearing my own noise-canceling headphones.

Earbuds are inexpensive and take up little room. They require no charging or batteries to function.  I recommend a couple of pairs be stored in every Evacuation Kit. (But I also recommend grabbing the good ones on the way out, if you remember.) You need an audio solution that is not battery dependent.

Portable DVD Player: Fail

Portable DVD players require stacks of physical disks.  They have relatively small screens, and their battery life is horrendous.  They are bulky in comparison to digital media players. You can buy a basic Fire Tablet for less than you'll pay for a portable DVD player.

Ripping your DVDs to digital media is a much more efficient entertainment solution. Dozens of movies and hundreds of songs can be fit on a drive that's smaller than a pack of gum.  That media can be played across a wide variety of devices.

If you're limited to physical media, chances are you have an old laptop that has a DVD drive. If not, an external DVD drive can be purchased for less than the cost of an external player.  Since you are most likely bringing your laptop with you anyway, you're better off investing in a second battery for that than in a DVD player.  Portable DVD Players and physical media are just a waste of space in a modern Emergency Kit. A cheap tablet and digital media are a much more efficient solution.

Summary: Portable Electronics, Power Accessories, and Entertainment

Entertainment is a vital part of any Emergency Kit. When it comes to an Evacuation Kit, space is valuable. You want a lot of entertainment options crammed into a tiny footprint. In today's world, portable electronics make this possible and practical.  Portable devices and digital media allow you to pack hours of entertainment into a single backpack.  However, these devices require recharging, and power can be a precious commodity during a storm event and its aftermath.

Batteries are an essential part of any Emergency Kit.  And when it comes to buying them, now is not the time to skimp. Invest in quality, long-lasting batteries that will not leak during long-term storage. Always buy twice as many as you think you need. Rotate out older batteries as you use up packs stored in other parts of the house.  Check your battery supply at the beginning of the season, so it does not need replenishing at the last minute. Battery supplies run low as soon as a storm is announced, and you may have difficulty finding any at the last minute.

Today's Emergency Kit needs to contain both portable devices and ways to power them. Power Banks provide an effective solution, so long as they're of sufficient capacity.  Multiple devices will require multiple Power Banks to keep everything up and running for several days.  

Evacuation Kits provide good homes for outdated electronics.  Old tablets and laptops can be converted to gaming devices or media players, and loaded up with software and media that do not require Internet for functionality.  

Ensure your current stable of devices is charged up and ready when a storm is announced.  Load up a few flash drives with entertainment, and make sure your players are up to date. Chances are you'll want to grab these devices should you need to evacuate, so make sure they're prepared so they can be useful during the storm.

E-books are more space efficient during an evacuation, so even if you usually prefer physical books, be sure to load your favorite e-reader with a couple of books.  If you don't have a dedicated e-reader, ensure you have Kindle or a similar e-reading app on your mobile device, as well as a few books. (You can always grab a few classics for free from Project Gutenberg if your e-book supply is low.)

And don't skimp in this area. Electronic devices have limited battery life; the rule here is the more, the better. That applies to devices, media, and power accessories.  ALWAYS toss in that extra Power Bank or that extra tablet. The Event may stretch on longer than you anticipated, and you'll be glad you prepared. Even if restoration is sporadic after the Storm, it's easy to leave a Power Bank somewhere for recharging without worry. At the very worst, you lose a Power Bank, but your information is not compromised. Those private photos have a better chance of remaining private when you leave the Power Bank with the neighbor to recharge instead of leaving the phone.

We have one area of Emergency Preparation we have left to cover: Food and Provisions. Our final article in this series will examine what you need to keep in your kits so you do not starve during a Storm Event.  We'll also look at some of the other miscellaneous items you need to keep in an Evacuation Kit.  Part 4 will be the least tech-focused in the series. Still, no Emergency Preparation discussion is complete without discussing provisions for the Storm.

Again, we'd like to hear any feedback you may have, either on our Storm Advice or on your own. Hit us up in the comment section with any tips you have for stocking an Emergency Kit.  Is there anything vital we've left out?

We hope you'll join us for Part 4 in this series. And if you're looking for our Alexa series, we'll be resuming that soon.  That series will return with a look at the new Alexa-Powered devices, and with a review of some "off-brand" Smart Plugs we're testing now.  We're also mastering the Harmony Hub, and we'll tell you why we think it's a worthy addition to any Alexa-Powered Smart Home.

To be informed when new articles are published, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, subscribe via e-mail using the link in the sidebar, or subscribe using your favorite RSS Reader.  You can leave us feedback or ask us questions using those platforms as well.  And as always, thanks for reading.